Seamus Coleman's touching show of respect to Diogo Jota speaks volumes
The football world has united in mourning this week after it emerged on Thursday that Liverpool star Jota and his brother Andre lost their lives in a car crash in Zamora, Spain.
The devastating accident has touched fans and clubs across all divides, including the Merseyside rivalry between Liverpool and Everton.
Everton manager David Moyes, assistant manager Alan Irvine, and Portuguese-born players Youssef Chermiti and Beto have also visited Anfield to pay their respects in recent days.
And it would come as no surprise to Ireland and Everton fans that Coleman visited Anfield to pay his respects in a very classy manner.
A Liverpool fan wrote on social media: "Quarter past 11 on a Friday night and Seamus Coleman turned up to pay his respects.
"I said to him, 'I am red me, Seamus, it means a lot that you are turning up at this hour.'
"He says to me, 'Sorry for your loss, lad, I just wanted to pay my respects on my own without any cameras and fuss'.
"Touched me that has, one of the most genuine fellas I've met."
Coleman played against Jota many times in his career, both when Jota lined out for Liverpool and for his former club, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Donegal man's Irish teammate Caoimhin Kelleher was among those to pay heartfelt tributes to Jota.
Kelleher and the Portuguese forward were close friends when playing together at Liverpool.
The Corkman wrote: "Jots. Can't believe I'm writing this right now and I'm finding it hard to put into words. I'm absolutely devastated by this news," he wrote.
'You became one of my closest friends in football. We bonded over all things sports watching any football match we could find often your brother Andre's game on your iPad.
"All my thoughts and condolences are with Rute and their 3 beautiful kids and Diogo and Andre's family. It was a such a pleasure to get to know you over these years and to share some special memories on the pitch and even more so off it.
"I feel so blessed and grateful to have seen you on your happiest day, the day of your wedding and to be able to share in that day with you was special. I'll never forget it.
'You were deeply loved by everyone at the club, the city and all over the world.
'It's gonna hurt for a long time and I'm gonna miss you so much but I feel so lucky to have got know you and have such a good friend.
"Love you Diogo."
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